How Much Can You Claim for Laundry? Your Complete Tax Guide

Keeping your work clothes clean shouldn’t cost you more – especially when you can claim it on your tax return. Whether you're in uniform, safety gear, or specialised attire, knowing which laundry costs you can legally deduct—and how to calculate them—could lead to real savings.

Key Takeaways

• ✅ Two simple ways to claim: Use the flat‑rate cents‑per‑load method or the more detailed actual‑cost method—both are approved by the ATO. Baron Accounting

• ✅ Only certain clothing qualifies: You can claim for laundering items that are compulsory branded uniforms, registered non‑compulsory uniforms, or protective workwear. Regular clothes don’t count. 

• ✅ Flat‑rate laundry deductions:

  • $1 per load when washing only eligible work clothing

  • 50¢ per load when mixed with personal items 

  • If your total laundry claim is $150 or less, no receipts are necessary, but you still need a diary or log showing how you calculated the amount 

• ✅ Going for actual costs? You can claim portions of expenses like detergent, utility bills, and even depreciation on your washer/dryer—based on the percentage of their use for work laundry—and you’ll need solid records. 

• ✅ Watch out for common errors:

  • Don’t claim conventional clothes—even if you only wear them at work.

  • Don’t claim time spent doing laundry—only direct costs.

  • If you're given a laundry allowance, declare it as income and only claim the extra you’ve actually spent. 

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? Read the full article on Baron Tax & Accounting to get detailed examples, step‑by‑step calculations, and tips for making your claim audit‑proof—How Much Can You Claim for Laundry? Your Complete Tax Guide

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Also, check out our website for more tax-saving insights and tools: Baron Tax & Accounting